Need Microsoft Office for Mac OS 12.7.6

Question

Hello,

I had to uninstall microsoft office to update my opporating system. My computer can only run Mac OS 12.6.7. I can not update to OC 13. Therefore I need the Microsoft office that is compatable with my OS.

Best,

JC

Answer 1

For macOS Monterey 12, the current Microsoft 365/Office installer is not supported. The supported path is to install the last Office build that works on Monterey, then activate it with the Microsoft 365 subscription.

Steps:

1. Confirm the Mac is on macOS 12.
   • On the Mac, go to Apple menu > System Settings > General > Software Update.
   • Microsoft states current Office updates require macOS 12 (Monterey) or later for updating, but the Q&A context specifically identifies Monterey as limited to the last compatible Office build.
2. Install the last compatible Office build for Monterey.
   • The accepted guidance in the provided context identifies version 16.88 as the final Office build supporting macOS 12 Monterey.
   • Download link provided in context: https://officecdn.microsoft.com/pr/C1297A47-86C4-4C1F-97FA-950631F94777/MacAutoupdate/Microsoft_365_and_Office_16.88.24081116_Installer.pkg?apid=ets
3. Activate Office.
   • Open any Office app and sign in with the account associated with the Microsoft 365 subscription.
4. Check for updates one time after installation.
   • In an Office app, select Help > Check for Updates.
   • One Q&A in the context recommends updating once after install to reach the final supported build for that older macOS version.

If Office 2016 for Mac was previously installed, the old license can be removed without removing the apps:

1. Run the License Removal Tool: https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=849815
2. Open any Office app and sign in with the account associated with the newer Office subscription.
3. Select Help > Check for Updates.

If the Mac App Store version was installed before, remove those apps first because the Mac App Store Office apps are tied to Microsoft 365 activation and are not compatible with Office 2019 licenses. To reinstall direct-from-Microsoft apps, Microsoft provides these steps:

• Close Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Open Finder > Applications.
• Move the Office apps to Trash.
• Reinstall using the direct Microsoft installer.

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References:

• Update Microsoft 365 or Office on your macOS or iOS device
• On 19th I have subscribed for MS365 office business pro which is not compatible for MAC OS 12.7.6. Request for a compatible version - Microsoft Q&A
• Office running on OS 12.7.6 - Microsoft Q&A
• End of support for Office 2016 for Mac
• Microsoft Office activation and the Mac App Store
• Microsoft Office and the Mac App Store

Answer 2

Hello,

Microsoft 365 for Mac, Office 2024 for Mac, and Office 2021 for Mac support the three most recent major versions of Apple’s macOS.

As of September 2025, those versions are macOS Tahoe, macOS Sequoia, and macOS Sonoma.

If you're running macOS 12 (Monterey), you can run Office 16.88. At the History page, look for the Office Suite Installer, with Teams if you have an Office 365 Subscription.

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/officeupdates/update-history-office-for-mac